TelevisaUnivision’s quarterly report is thick with World Cup numbers, but the company again gave no results for its audio business, even as its stations launched a new Los Angeles CHR and expanded Spanish-language sports radio nationwide.
The consolidated figures are where radio sits. Revenue rose 9% to $1.4 billion, led by a 51% increase in Mexico tied to the FIFA World Cup. US revenue fell 14% to $715 million, and US advertising dropped 24% to $328 million, which the company attributed to cyclical headwinds primarily from competitive sports programming and a prior-year comparison that included the Gold Cup.
The company also recorded a $372 million non-cash impairment loss on the write-down of television broadcast licenses, which the release does not tie to radio, and posted an operating loss of $119 million.
The release describes the company as owning and operating the largest Spanish-language audio platform in the US across 35 terrestrial stations and the Uforia digital platform, but it does not break out audio revenue, even in an active year for the broadcaster’s radio holdings.
On August 3, TelevisaUnivision launched Latino Mix 103.9/98.3 FM (KLXM/KLXO) in Los Angeles, a Spanish-language CHR to replace the Adult Hits “Recuerdo” format, which continues on the Uforia app.
On the sports side, TUDN Radio launched a national HD network in February with 47 affiliate stations that the company said reach more than 70% of the US Hispanic audience. The network uses HD subchannels in markets including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco-San Jose, and Austin. In October, TUDN Radio began its sixth straight year as the exclusive US Spanish-language radio broadcaster of the MLB Postseason, with coverage running through the World Series on over-the-air affiliates in key Hispanic markets, the Uforia app, TUDN.com, the TUDN app, and smart speakers.
The earnings release does say the company’s direct-to-consumer business delivered record revenue with double-digit growth, driven by ViX.
TelevisaUnivision Chief Executive Officer Daniel Alegre said, “Our performance in the third quarter reflected disciplined execution against our multiplatform strategy as we delivered exceptional results from the World Cup in Mexico while gaining momentum in the US with increased engagement across our fall content slate and robust sports portfolio.”
